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Pete Hilton and the Sk8bass by Jon Moody
Pete Hilton and the Sk8bass…
Tone. It’s one of those things that seems to be a unicorn. Players will search for the perfect instrument – the ONE – that has THAT “tone,” only to find out it’s not quite there. Others will pay luthiers large sums of money with precise specs to create that “tone” that is in their heads, only to be disappointed once the instrument is in their hands. And then there are the folk that shout from their soapbox, “Tone is all in the hands!” and play instruments of a certain – ahem – quality that others would scoff at.
Tone. It’s subjective, and also highly inflammatory, depending on who you talk to. Enter Pete Hilton, a bass builder in LA by way of New York (and a decade long gig building for Carl Thompson). He had an idea.
“I guess this thing started years ago when I was with Carl (Thompson). With all the talk about ‘tone woods’ going on, especially for electric instruments, we joked about making an instrument out of plywood. Well, it never happened. But from time to time, it did cross my mind.”
The idea is interesting. As Hilton mentioned, with all the emphasis of an electric instrument being put on the wood used for it, why NOT make an instrument out of plywood to prove that there was much more going on into building an instrument over just wood choice? But he didn’t stop there.
“After my move from NYC to LA, I took that idea and mixed it with my personal life history. I’ve been a skateboarder since way back, so the idea morphed into creating a bass out of skate decks. But do it in a way that the persons first impression had nothing to do with what it was made out of.”
Hilton contacted some friends (now in the skateboard industry), acquired the raw materials, and turned 11 decks into the bass now called the sk8bass. Sporting Aguilar pickups, Hipshot hardware and GHS strings, the first thing you’ll notice is that it has an amazing striped pattern to it. Once you pick it up, you’ll realize that the bass is incredibly light, and balances exceptionally well, strap or no. And when you sit down and play it, you’ll notice that every nuance of your playing is accurately depicted. You might also notice that it’s a 36″ scale, although to me, the neck doesn’t feel that big.
The sk8bass made its debut at Bass Player LIVE! this past November and was very well received. It was interesting to hear how different the bass sounded in the hands of each player that picked it up. The aforementioned nuances were upfront, and the tone easily conformed to the player. It was also very enjoyable to see peoples faces and hear their comments only after Hilton told them how the bass was made, and with what. The phrase “tone wood” or anything like that was never mentioned; the instrument was judged on its entirety, which as Hilton wanted to point out with the sk8bass, was more than just a piece of wood.
At the time of this writing, the sk8bass is going to be on display in the Hipshot Booth at NAMM in a week, and if the response from Bass Player LIVE! was any indication, it’s going to cause quite a stir. So what does that tell us? There have always been artists that have created beautiful things with unconventional resources, and the sk8bass is no different. However, Hilton’s goal was to create an instrument that would shift the focus from the specs of the instrument to the capabilities of the player.
Maybe tone really IS in the hands, after all?
Visit online at hiltonguitars.com
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
